My service began with the United States Marine Corps, Marine Forces Reserve, at a unique and specialized unit, with some of the finest women and men I have ever worked with. The same could also be said of the men and women I also served with in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (04-08) and U.S. Air Force Reserve (08-14). [the U.S. Air Force Photo Album is hyperlinked here]
I was assigned to the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) from 1999-2004. Here are some photos from my exploits as a Marine. I got out as a Corporal (E-4) and traveled some.
Lightning from the Sky, Thunder From the Sea
In 2002 I was very fortunate to be able to participate in “Operation Weedeater 2002“. We worked with Department of Justice Agents, Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force, and local national police forces. It was a pleasure and honor to have worked with all of these agencies in this joint task force.
I was deployed to Doha, Qatar, for approximately thirty to forty days, in 2003 in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom. We never made it to Iraq on that deployment but many Marines from 4th ANGLICO did afterwards, and continue to kick ass and take names, worldwide.
Every year, when I can, I try to make it to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball celebration in Miami, Florida with my fellow Leathernecks. Some of the greatest days of my life.
Paris Island, MCRD (February 2000)
Field Radio Operator’s Course: back then, it was Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) 2531, later changed to MOS 0621. At some point the job title then changed to Transmission System Operator.
(below) That was my second tattoo and it was a well done Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
(below) Me and the Mexican brothas of my class.
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Operation Alexander the Great (2001)
Unit AT training with Greek Marines and the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). We made a few stops on this exercise. We went to the Azores (Islands), Portugal; Catania and Sigonella, Sicily, Italy; Rota, Spain; and finally Greece. In Greece we only did trained in the field and didn’t get to see nothing too special. We did get to ride the LCAC to the USS Kearsarge, where we spent a few days as the guests to the 22nd MEU.
“Operation Weedeater 2002“. This was a great joint-task force operation. One in a lifetime experience. I got to meet Shaggy, whom I took a picture with, and Elephant Man, who I didn’t get a picture with but saw in the hotel elevator smoking an enormous joint; which was ironic considering the mission we were on there. We did SPIE (Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction) rigging training, and once in the field, and stayed in a great hotel. Great mission!
Setting up the OE-254 Antenna, on the roof top of a 20 story building.
I was 21 years old here and all of these experiences were mind blowing to me, personally.
SPIE Rigging: Special Patrol Insertion/Extraction
I happened to meet the musician, Shaggy, who is also a prior service Marine and Combat Veteran. He served in the Persian Gulf War.
We had a friendly competition with the Trinidad Defense Force in cricket. Marines are competitive, needless to say, so we won, although none of us had ever played cricket before.
Some Local Newspaper Publishing related to our mission:
The article above came out on Southcom.mil. We painted an orphanage one day while we were there. That’s me in the white tank top and shorts.
According to an article on Marines.mil:
Marines Double Results of Operation Weedeater
7 May 2002 | U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve
“TRINIDAD —More than 60 Marines from Marine Forces Reserve recently participated in Operation Weedeater, a counterdrug eradication support operation on this Caribbean island.
The Marines, from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), West Palm Beach, Fla., provided training and support for the Defense Force and Police Department of Trinidad and Tobago, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agents who conducted the missions.
“It’s definitely an honor for us to be able to participate in such an operation,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Rickman D. Taylor, officer-in-charge of the 4th ANGLICO detachment. “This is deemed a counterdrug operation, but it is much more than that. It’s a humanitarian mission; a mission to defend the American youth; a continuance of the war on drugs; and most importantly, it’s a mission that promotes international relations.”
Although the Marines were limited by U.S. law to provide support only in the form of airlift, training and logistics for counterdrug operations, those three elements were critical to the success of the mission. The host nation, which has limited airlift and logistics capability, would not have been able to perform this mission without help from the Marines.
With the terrain in many of the targeted areas being triple-canopy forest, normal means of transportation were unrealistic for the operations. Because of this, the helicopter squadron with its CH-46s quickly became a very important aspect of the operation.
“This environment, at times, was very challenging for us to fly in,” said Maj. Jacques Naviaux, mission commander. “With a mountainous forest environment and trees reaching in excess of 200 feet, there were many times we found ourselves having to fly below the tree line to insert those conducting the missions.”
The terrain was very new for the California-based squadron, but instead of causing a problem for the Marines, they faced it as a way to improve themselves.
“This training was ideal for the Marines,” Naviaux said. “There is no doubt that our Marines are better prepared to handle mountain and jungle environments, and are, by far, more well-rounded.
“Working in these small zones is the ultimate test of helicopter crew coordination. The pilots cannot do this alone. They must be constantly guided by the crew chief and observer in the rear of the aircraft, in order to avoid obstacles and to maintain a stable hover while conducting fast-rope inserts and SPIE (special insert and extraction) extracts.”
Because of the conditions and the continual use of the aircraft, the flight crews and Marines responsible for the maintenance of the helicopters, in many ways, held the fate of the mission in their hands. Without their efforts and consistent mission accomplishment, the “birds” would have been unable to fly, and the missions would not have gone.
While the squadron provided mobility, the Marines of 4th ANGLICO provided training to the operators and communications support.
The first task was training local law enforcement to better overcome the terrain on which they’d be conducting their mission. Although the Marines were the newcomers to the operation, the difficulties encountered by the host nation law enforcement agencies were familiar. Because of the thick forest and steep hills, landing aircraft in a designated location was out of the question, which meant the Marines had to teach those involved how to conduct fast-rope inserts and SPIE extracts using ropes suspended from the helicopters.
From the beginning, this training was going to be a difficult task, because the number of Marines qualified to train versus the number who required the training was significantly uneven. At one point, there were more than 150 trainees. Even after flying in two additional Marines, there were still only four Helicopter Rope Suspension Training (HRST) Masters.
“We had an extremely significant responsibility throughout these operations,” said Sgt. Adam L. Mackillop, HRST master, 4th ANGLICO. “Because of the numbers, none of us were allowed to rest mentally or physically. Not having motivation, or taking a break, was not an option. Everyday we were expected to perform, and we did.”
In addition to the large number of trainees, the training location added another challenge for the Marines.
“When we (Marines) are trained for these types of things, we’re used to having a tower of some sort to work with and fairly consistent means of practicing our skill,” Mackillop said. “However, because this country is not equipped with the right locations and is not used for this type of training, we had to simply work with what we were given.”
In fact, the training facilities were so limited that at one point the Marines conducted ground training in an arena type setting with the rope rigged to the ceiling. Trainees used scaffolding to reach the designated heights from which they would fast-rope.
“The conditions weren’t ideal,” Mackillop said, “but we did what we could. Everyone involved in this operation received thorough training, and was more than confident with their abilities by the time they boarded the helicopters.”
The final and most crucial aspect of the Marines’ support came in the form of communications. Here again, the terrain played an integral part in the ability of the Marines to obtain and maintain communications.
“Everything is a factor when trying to maintain good communication in the field,” said Gunnery Sgt. Larry E. Moody, communications chief, 4th ANGLICO. “Many of the older Marines have experienced training like this, but it was great experience for the younger Marines. This hopefully gave them an idea of how difficult it can be to get communications in the field, and that nothing is guaranteed.”
Throughout the operation, the Marines were responsible for maintaining communications between the headquarters, flight crews, and various teams conducting field operations. Using three and four various radios at a time, the Marines were pushed to another level during this evolution.
“There’s no doubt in my mind that these Marines used every type of field expedient wire there is to get communication,” Taylor said. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if at times they invented some of their own.”
While some of their means may not have been according to any textbook, they still managed to do their job.
“These Marines need to know that no matter where you are you have to get communication,” Moody said. “Without, we are of no use to anyone.”
At the conclusion of the operation, nearly $400 million worth in drugs had been eradicated, nearly twice as much as in previous years. But even without the numbers, there was no doubt the Marines had served a greater purpose while participating in this operation.
“Every Marine should leave here with more experience when it comes to dealing with jungle environments,” Naviaux said. “But more than that, they will have a sense of accomplishment knowing they made an impact in the war on drugs. Although this took place in a specific location, their efforts will have far reaching affects.”…article link: Marines.mil
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In 2003 I deployed to Doha, Qatar in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, emphasis on “support.” Later on I would make it to Iraq with the Air Force Reserve in 2010, but in 2003 it Qatar. In 2014 I also went to Afghanistan as a Paramedic Contractor for the U.S. Dept. of Defense. In Qatar 2003 though, Detachment Alpha had it easy but “No shit, there we were!”
U.S. Navy Sea Bees (stands for CB: Construction Battalion) built us this domino table. There are quite a few 4th ANGLICO Marines that inherited the rich Cuban tradition of playing dominos, myself included.
That was my first IV, back in 2003..a premonition of what was to come. I became and EMT-Basic in 2004 and Paramedic in 2006. I was a Field Radio Operator in this photo with ANGLICO.
Just Marines being Marines.
Hurry up and wait.
It’s beer thirty somewhere.
We went to visit The InterContinental Doha Beach Spa before departing the country. That was a nice spa with a swim up bar!
Some pictures from 2004; The Unit Annual Training (AT), The Marine Corps Ball and my fire team leader’s wedding.
Staff Sergeant Cartrett’s wedding. He continued his service and retired as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.
U.S. Marine Corps Ball 2002
I joined ANGLICO when I was 18 years old, this was my first job and initiation to the Western world way of thinking. I had spent several years with the wrong crowd prior to joining the Marines and this decision had a ripple effect that changed my life in ways that I never could have imagined. My subsequent service in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve was short and noneventful but my following six years in the Air Force Reserve brought me to the sand box of Iraq. That later led to a contract in Afghanistan, and several contracts worldwide thereafter. Not to mention, the years of service as a Paramedic and in Federal Law Enforcement, in multiple agencies (DHS, DOJ, DOD). I never miss the chance to count my blessings.
More about ANGLICO, which are special operations capable units with unique capabilities.
According to an article on Marines.mil:
What we learned: 4th ANGLICO at Joint Warrior 18
2 May 2018 | The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website
The official purpose of the Marine Corps’ six Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Companies is to “provide Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders a liaison capability with foreign area expertise and to plan, coordinate, employ and conduct terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied and coalition forces.”
In layman’s terms, this essentially means ANGLICO units provide direct support to various forces working within the Marine Corps’ battle-space, and conducts the coordination required in order for their commanders to access close air support, artillery, rockets and naval gunfire.
With the motto of “lightning from the sky, thunder from the sea”, ANGLICO units are trained to direct appropriate fire without directly supporting combat operations, but to support the broad scope of military actions in a given area, regardless of location.
Always a prior Marine, never Ex…Once a Marine Always a Marine! (yeah, I said it)
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I was then in U.S. Coast Guard Reserve from 2004-2008. I had a relatively uneventful run there, as far as travel goes, and took very few pictures. I mostly just worked there, and was introduced to the world of federal law enforcement. Here are some of those pictures:
The life of a Port Security Specialist Third Class (PS3) in a Marine Safety Office means you basically drive around Marine Science Technicians (MSTs) until you get certified in something to inspect. It wasn’t bad and I learned a lot about pollution investigations, marine safety laws and regulations, how to navigate the Code of Federal Regulations (specifically eCFR) and enforce federal laws under the Maritime Transportation and Security Act of 2002.
We applied these laws and fines in specific cases and it was somewhat interesting. We were not armed and it was more of a administrative regulation of laws, nothing tactical. I was unsuccessful in getting into some of the more tactical units and I was considering the Air Force for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician. I ended up going into the Air Force in Security Forces, which is Military Police, and it was a much more eventful career path. I left the USAFR in 2014 as a Technical Sergeant (E-6). I remained an E-4/PS3 in the Coast Guard Reserve mostly because I was very busy with college and working multiple jobs as a civilian Paramedic, Security Guard, and Emergency Medical Services/Lifesaving Instructor.
No branch was better than the other, they all had something to offer and different branches are better at different things. I served with great men and women in all branches and continued to do so for a decade thereafter as a DOD Contractor. God Bless America.
USMC Ball 2004
Qatar with General Franks 2003
USAF Iraq 2010
Homestead Air Reserve Base, 482nd Security Forces Squadron (2009)
At the 4th ANGLICO unit (2003) with my brother and father.
USAF Iraq (2010)
USAF Iraq (2010)
USAFR, Homestead ARB, FL (2010)
USAF Iraq (2010)
USAF Iraq (2010)
My enlisted time in uniform includes the following (without deployments):
- U.S. Marine Corps, Marine Forces Reserve (1999-2004), 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), West Palm Beach, FL.
- U.S. Coast Guard Reserve (2004-2008), Sector Miami, Port of Miami Field Offices, Miami, FL.
- U.S. Air Force Reserve (2008-2014), 482nd Security Forces Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, FL. and the 506th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Kirkuk Regional Air Base, Iraq (2009-2010).
My uniformed federal service continued with the Department of Homeland Security-U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Department of Justice-Federal Bureau of Prisons. Afterwards, my federal service continued as a U.S. Department of Defense Contractor, in many different fields. As of 2025, I have approximately 25 years of federal service, in some capacity or another. This is a true blessing and stated not as to gloat or toot my own horn, but rather to give credit to my Creator and thank God for all of these blessings!
It was an honor to have served with the women and men in all the branches of the United States military.
God bless America.
Semper Fi!
